Thinking of visiting Helsinki in Finland but not sure to start? We found a whole list of fab things to do in Helsinki – on an epic day trip by ferry from Tallinn to Helsinki!
The link between Tallinn and Helsinki is often referred to as a ‘bridge’ over the sea. It quite literaly has dozens of ferry crossings daily and a journey time of roughly two hours, so it is incredibly easy to have breakfast in Estonia and lunch in Finland. However, there are a few logistical nuances to master to ensure your day trip is seamless.
Here is everything you need to know about planning, booking and taking the ferry from Tallinn to Helsinki and some very cool things to do on a day trip to Finland…
PART I: Crossing by Ferry from Tallinn to Helsinki
Taking the ferry from Tallinn to Helsinki is an awesome day trip! The two capital cities are just a two-hour ferry ride apart – not to mention excellent views of the Baltic Sea while crossing – meaning that once you arrive in Helsinki, you will have a full day to explore the city before returning to Tallinn.
We had a fantastic day trip over to Helsinki, Finland on the ferry from Tallinn. So if you have one full day spare in Estonia – this is an epic day trip we can highly recommend.
The Ferry Lines – Tallinn to Helsinki
Three major companies dominate the route by ferry from Tallinn to Helsinki, each offering a slightly different experience:
- Tallink Silja: Generally considered the most frequent and ‘premium’ option. They use large, cruise-like ships (such as the Megastar and MyStar) that feature extensive shopping malls, multiple restaurants, and various lounges.
- Viking Line: A reliable middle-ground option. Their ships are often slightly older but well-maintained, frequently offering competitive pricing for foot passengers.
- Eckerö Line: Often the budget-friendly choice. They typically operate fewer crossings per day than Tallink, but their tickets are frequently the cheapest, and their on-board buffet is highly regarded.
Departure Times & Duration
- Duration: Most fast ferries take between 2 hours and 2 hours 15 minutes.
- Frequency: Ferries run from approximately 6:00 AM until 10:30 PM. For a day trip, we recommend taking a ferry between 7:30 AM and 9:00 AM to maximize your time in Helsinki.
- The Return: Most day-trippers aim for a return ferry between 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM.
Ticket Prices & Booking
- Cost: Prices fluctuate based on how far in advance you book and the time of day. A round-trip foot passenger ticket typically ranges from €20 to €50.
- How to Book: While you can buy tickets at the terminal, it is significantly cheaper and safer to book online in advance via the company websites or a comparison tool like Direct Ferries.
- Terminals: In Tallinn, most ferries depart from Terminal D (Tallink) or Terminal A (Viking/Eckerö). In Helsinki, check your ticket carefully as Tallink arrives at West Harbour (Länsisatama) while Viking arrives closer to the center at Katajanokka.
PART II: Your Helsinki Day Trip Itinerary
We had a great day out in Helsinki, Finland. We took an early ferry and made our way around the city by tram and using the busy pedestrian areas by the port. Then we had reindeer sausages and softies (ice creams) for lunch and explored the city sites all the way from the harbour back to the ferry port.
About Helsinki
Helsinki is the capital and most populous city in Finland. It is on the shore of the Gulf of Finland and is the seat of southern Finland’s Uusimaa region.
But Helsinki is totally unique. It is in fact an archipelago of 330 islands by the Baltic Sea!
It is an amazing city to visit and a fascinating juxtaposition of history, culture, modernity – and tastes – to explore.
Things To Do in Helsinki
Helsinki is a compact, walkable city. Once you disembark, you can reach the historic centre via a quick tram ride (Lines 7 or 9 from West Harbour) or a brisk 20-minute walk.
Here are the essential stops (in no particular order) for your day of exploring in the Finnish capital.
1. Senate Square & Helsinki Cathedral
This is the iconic heart of the city. The vast, neoclassical Senate Square is anchored by the dazzling white Helsinki Cathedral.
- What To Do: Climb the steep green steps for a view over the square. The cathedral’s brilliant white domes and zinc statues of the twelve apostles are the definitive symbol of Helsinki. It is a quiet, meditative space that provides a great starting point for your walk.
2. Kauppatori (The Market Square)
Located right on the waterfront, this is Helsinki’s most famous international market.
- What To Do: Wander through the orange tents. Depending on the season, you’ll find fresh Baltic herring, wild berries, reindeer hides, and local handicrafts. It is the best place to soak in the harbor atmosphere and watch the giant ferries maneuver in the bay.
3. Old Market Hall (Vanha Kauppahalli)
If the sea breeze at the outdoor market is too chilly, step inside the Old Market Hall, which has been serving customers since 1889.
- What To Do: This is a foodie’s paradise. Browse the stalls for traditional Finnish delicacies like cured salmon, smoked reindeer, and ‘Leipäjuusto’ (squeaky cheese). It’s an excellent spot for a sophisticated lunch or to pick up edible souvenirs.
4. Uspenski Cathedral
Perched on a hillside overlooking the harbour, this Eastern Orthodox cathedral is a striking contrast to the white Lutheran cathedral across the square.
- What To Do: Built with red bricks and topped with golden domes, the Uspenski Cathedral represents the Russian influence on Finnish history. The interior is lavishly decorated with icons and gold leaf, offering a completely different aesthetic to the Nordic minimalism found elsewhere in the city.
5. Esplanadi
Connecting the Market Square to the heart of the shopping district, Esplanadi is a beautiful green boulevard often referred to as the ‘Champs-Élysées of Helsinki’.
- What To Do: Walk the central park area, enjoy the live street performers, or sit at Café Kappeli, one of the city’s most historic and beautiful restaurants. It’s the perfect place for people-watching and enjoying the high-end Finnish design shops that line the street.
Practical Tips for Your Trip
- Money: Finland uses the Euro (€), just like Estonia, making transactions seamless. Finland is very card-friendly; you rarely need physical cash.
- Time: There is no time difference between Tallinn and Helsinki.
- Connectivity: If you have an EU SIM card, your data will work in Finland exactly as it does in Estonia.
- Public Transport: Download the HSL app for easy tram tickets in Helsinki. A single ticket covers you for 80 minutes across trams, buses, and the metro.
Where To Stay in Helsinki, Finland
While we visited and covered the above things to do in Helsinki on a day trip by ferry from Tallinn, most visitors spend a few days in the capital city.
I would suggest choosing accommodation in the city centre, making it easy to walk to most of the things to do in Helsinki.
Here are some recommendations for each budget:
- Budget – Bob W Kluuvi
Low-contact flashpacker accommodation just around the corner from the train station making it super central. - Budget – The Yard Hostel
Ranked as the best hostel accommodation in Helsinki. - Mid-Range – Hotel Helka
Housed in a 1920s building and known for its modern Scandinavian design and commitment to sustainability. - Mid-Luxury – Sokos Hotel Presidentti
Located near the Kamppi shopping centre and Helsinki Central Railway Station with traditional sauna. - Luxury – The Hotel Maria
A truly luxury downtown hotel built in the historical buildings that used to be the Ministry of Agriculture.
Day Trip by Ferry from Tallinn to Helsinki
A day trip by ferry from Tallinn to Helsinki provides a fascinating look at how two neighbours, separated by only 80 kilometres of water, have developed their own unique identities. From the medieval charm of Tallinn to the functional, modern design of Helsinki, the ferry ride is the perfect day trip between these two fabulous cities.
We had a great day out in Helsinki. We had reindeer sausages for lunch, enjoyed the busy markets on the waterfront, historic cathedrals, softies (ice creams) and cosmopolitan vibes of being all the way in the north of Europe. Helsinki is a beautiful and historic old city, as is Tallinn in Estonia.
It is a great day trip by ferry from Tallinn to Helsinki and we crammed a lot into one day out. It is a day trip that we recommend!
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Links For Your Travels in Europe & Beyond
These are the companies we use and can recommend for planning and booking travel.
- Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. It is easy to filter and sort into price and availability with all the extras you are looking for personally.
- 12GoAsia – Book trains anywhere online.
- Skyscanner– This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.
- GetYourGuide– Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world. Everything from walking tours, to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
- SafetyWing – A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy it short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country.
- World Nomads – Make sure you have insurance before embarking on travel to Estonia and things to do in Tallinn!